Get Informed: Gabapentin
Active Ingredient(s)
Gabapentin
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic (nerve) pain. It works at different sites in the nervous system, although its exact mechanism of action remains unknown.
- Last Text Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 9:23 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 6:53 PM
Other Names
- Gabapentin
- Neurontin
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 30 Dec 1993
- Est US Patients*
- 3,518,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Gabapentin or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Gabapentin
Gabapentin Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Gabapentin used for?
iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 20,600 patients that use Gabapentin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Neuropathic Pain | 17% | 
|
| Pain | 13% |
|
| Restless Leg Syndrome | 12% |
|
| Multiple Sclerosis | 7% |
|
| Insomnia | 4% |
|
| Panic Disorder | 3% | 
|
| Bipolar Disorder | 3% |
|
| Pain-Musculoskeletal | 3% |
|
| Epilepsy / Seizures | 2% |
|
| Back / Neck Pain | 2% | 
|
| Migraine / Headache | 2% |
|
| Fibromyalgia | 2% |
|
| Other | 43% |
|
How well does Gabapentin work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 20,600 users taking Gabapentin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 69%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Gabapentin outweigh the bad things.
- 18%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Gabapentin.
Common Side Effects of Gabapentin
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 20,600 users taking Gabapentin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
44% of patients experience side-effects on Gabapentin
8% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Gabapentin
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Drowsiness
-
Fatigue
-
Dizziness
-
Weight Gain
-
Headache
-
Memory/Speech Problems
-
Mental Haziness
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Abdominal Pain, Balance/Coordination Problems, Constipation, Depression, Diarrhea, Grogginess/Confusion, Heartburn/Reflux, Insomnia, Mood/Behavior Problems, Muscle Pain/Stiffness, Nasal Congestions, Numbness/Tingling, Ringing Ears, Sore Mouth/Throat, Thirst, Tremor, Vivid Dreams, Weakness
Global Patient Feedback for Gabapentin ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
neurontin is the only medication i have found that relieves pain of neuropathy and degenerative bone disease...i am taking 1200 mg twice a day...only side effect is i have to sleep for 1 hour after each dose...but i am not groggy after that...anyone else have to sleep after taking this med.......other than this i think i have weight gain, but the pain relief out weighs the weight gain....<---sorry about the pun...
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-11-18 13:27:13
Question/Comment:
I would like to know if there are any side effects for evening primrose oil on a 12 year old for pms.greatly appreciate any help thank you.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-11-04 19:21:54
Question/Comment:
I take Gabapentin 2700mg a day that 3 300mg 3x's daily yuck. I havent found it to relieve my symptoms I have 2 faild back fusions RLS and arthritis thru/out all my joints and degenerative bone disease. im only 37 and I started yelling at my boys and my husband over little things I was angry all the time and I was forgetting everything I would go make a cup of coffee, just to forget I was going to 2 mins after. I am not happy with the results of this, Hope theres sumpin else I can use.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-30 00:38:40
Question/Comment:
I have GAD and severe migraines. I have been prescribed neurontin 300mg X 3 a day, flexeril 10 mg X 3 a day, and 10mg of Klonopin 3 X a day. I specifically asked for weight neutral drugs, because I have gained 50lbs. I eat healthy and exercise, but the weight keeps adding on. I don't know what to do. My doctor doesnt seem worried about this as the weight gain has happened over a years time. I am worried sick, I dont want to be obese. Can anyone help? Thanks.
33 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-20 18:20:23
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
iGuard patients have reported weight gain as a side effect with both medicines - reported by 5% of iGuard patients taking Neurontin and 1% of iGuard patients taking Klonopin. However if the agents control your migraines the benefits may outweigh the risk in your case. You may also want to consider that by controlling your migraines you may be able to lead a more active lifestyle and contribute to maintaining a healthy weight as a result. If your current doctor is not listening to your concerns about weight gain, you may want to seek out a second opinion.
Posted: 2009-11-03 22:31:12
Question/Comment:
I have MS. I take Gabapentin for muscle spasticity. Without it, I probably couldn't walk. The problem is, I have gained 25 pounds in just 2 months. I'm always hungry and it is a fight to eat right. I can live with this, but not if I keep gaining. Does anyone take anything different that does the same thing?
Risa
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-17 18:31:52
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Approximately 5 out of 100 patients reported weight gain as a side effect of taking Neurontin. You may want to discuss lowering your dose to see if you can maintain the benefit but reduce your feelings of hunger. There are other alternative agents that may help treat muscles spasms, like Flexeril, that are not typically associated with the weight gain side effects. Flexeril can cause significant drowsiness as well as other side effects. You should discuss the options with your doctor in order to make the best treatment decision.
Posted: 2009-11-03 22:40:37
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Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
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Patient Comments about
Gabapentin